Plank connectors

ABSTRACT

Apparatuses and methods of operating the same are described. A plank connector that includes a body and a platform. The body may be on a first plane. The platform may be connected to the body. The platform may be on a second plane perpendicular to the first plane. The platform may include a first wing and a second wing. The first wing may extend outwardly along the second plane from the platform. The first wing may be shaped to be inserted into the groove of the first plank. The second wing may extend outwardly along the second plane from the platform. The second wing may be shaped to be inserted into the groove of the second plank.

BACKGROUND

An outdoor deck may include a sub-frame and planks that run along a top surface of the sub-frame to form a flooring for the outdoor deck. The planks of the outdoor deck may be interconnected to the sub-frame and each other when installed to provide a stable and secure platform for individuals to walk on or place objects on, such as furniture, grills, or decorations.

SUMMARY

A plank connector that includes a body and a platform. The body may be on a first plane. The platform may be connected to the body. The platform may be on a second plane perpendicular to the first plane. The platform may include a first wing and a second wing. The first wing may extend outwardly along the second plane from the platform. The first wing may be shaped to be inserted into the groove of the first plank. The second wing may extend outwardly along the second plane from the platform. The second wing may be shaped to be inserted into the groove of the second plank.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present description will be understood more fully from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings of various embodiments of the present embodiment, which, however, should not be taken to limit the present embodiment to the specific embodiments, but are for explanation and understanding only.

FIG. 1 shows an outdoor platform with the planks uniformly spaced apart from each other, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the plank, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3A shows a side view of a plank, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3A shows a side perspective view of a plank connector 302, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3B shows a side view of the plank connector 302, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3C shows a bottom view of the plank connector 302, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3D shows a top view of the plank connector 302, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3E shows another side view of the plank connector 302, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3F shows a perspective bottom view of the plank connector 302, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4A shows a side view of the plank connector 302 connecting a first plank 402 to a second plank 406, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4B shows a top perspective view of the plank connector 302 connecting a first plank 402 to a second plank 404, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of method 500 to connect a first plank and a second plank to a sub-frame, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed plank connectors will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various embodiments described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the embodiments described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description.

Throughout the following detailed description, examples of various plank connectors are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example.

Planks may be long, thin, flat pieces of material used in building a flooring of a building or outdoor platform. The exterior platform may be a deck, a patio, and so forth. When the planks are used for outdoor platforms, the planks may be constantly exposed to moisture and may rot or decay with continued exposure to the moisture. For example, when it rains on a deck, water may collect on a surface of the planks and eventually penetrates into the beam.

Outdoor planks may be spaced apart to leave a gap between adjacent planks so that water can more readily drain from the surface of the deck. Conventionally, builders manually space the planks along support beams of the outdoor platform may lead to uneven spacing of the planks. The unevenly spacing planks may cause drainage issues, as water may not be able to drain properly at some locations on the outdoor platform. Additionally, the unevenly spacing planks may be ascetically unpleasing to an individual using the deck. Additionally, a builder correctly spacing the planks may be a time consuming and laborious task.

The embodiments described herein may address the above-noted deficiencies by providing a plank connector that may include a first wing that may be inserted into a first opening at the side of a first plank and a second wing that may be inserted into a second opening at the side of a second plank. The plank connector may connect the first plank and the second plank together. The first wing and the second wing of the plank connector may be shaped to universally fit into different sized and spaced openings of the sides of planks. The plank connector may also include arms to separate the side of the first plank from the side of the second plank by a defined distance to provide a space for drainage between the sides of the first plank and the second plank. As the plank connector is inserted into the sides of the first plank and the second plank, the plank connector may be relatively hidden, which may improve the overall aesthetics of the outdoor platform. The plank connector being inserted into the sides of the first plank and the second plank may also improve a strength and durability of the connection between the first plank, the second plank, and the sub-frame.

FIG. 1 shows an outdoor platform 100 with the planks 102 uniformly spaced apart from each other, according to an embodiment. The outdoor platform 100 may include multiple planks 102 that may be disposed transversely across a sub-frame 104 (referred to hereafter as joists 104) of a structure, such as a patio or deck of a house. For example, the outdoor platform 100 may be an outside deck that extends from a house. The outside deck may include planks 102 that may be disposed transversely across the joists 104. For example, the planks 102 may run adjacent to each other and may be spaced apart at a defined distance. The planks 102 may also be referred to as boards or decking.

In one embodiment, the planks 102 may be spaced apart by a distance ranging from approximately one-eighth of an inch to approximately a half of an inch. In another embodiment, a spacing of the planks may be based on the environmental conditions that the outdoor platform 100 may be subjected. In one example, the planks 102 may be spaced relatively close together when the outdoor platform is located in a relatively dry environment with low annual rainfall and/or no snow. In another example, the planks 102 may be spaced relatively far apart when the outdoor platform is located in a relatively wet environment with high annual rainfall and/or snow.

In one embodiment, a plank 102 may be hardwood material, composite material, synthetic material, and so forth. In another embodiment, the plank 102 may be two inches thick, 4 inches wide and 8 feet long. Each joist 104 may be hardwood material, composite material, synthetic material, and so forth. Each joist 104 may include a top edge, a bottom edge, a front surface, and a rear surface. The top edge, the bottom edge, the front surface, and the rear surface may be substantially flat surfaces. In one example, a portion of the bottom surface of each plank 102 may rest on the top edge of one or more of the joists 104. In one embodiment, the joists 104 may be successively spaced apart from one another at defined distances. For example, the joists 104 may be spaced apart from each other by a distance of approximately 12 inches to 24 inches. The joists 104 may support one or more planks 102 that are disposed transversely across the top edges of the joists 104.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the plank 102, according to an embodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 2 are the same or similar to some of the features in FIG. 1 as noted by same reference numbers, unless expressly described otherwise. In another embodiment, the plank 102 may include a top surface 204, a bottom surface 206, a first side edge 208, and a second side edge 210.

In one embodiment, the top surface 204 and/or the bottom surface 206 may be substantially flat and smooth. In another embodiment, the top surface 204 and/or the bottom surface 206 may include one or more grooves 214. The grooves 214 may be channels or conduits that control the flow or direction of the fluid. For example, the grooves 214 may extend along the top surface 204 and/or the bottom surface 206 of the plank 102 to direct the fluid to drain between the gaps or spaces between the planks 102 of the outdoor platform 100 in FIG. 1. The plank 102 may include a single groove or multiple grooves that run along the top surface 204 and/or the bottom surface 206 of the plank 102.

The first side edge 208 and/or the second side edge 210 may include grooves 212. In one embodiment, a groove 212 may be located between the top surface 204 and the bottom surface 206 of the first side edge 208 and/or the second side edge 210. For example, the groove 212 may be located at the approximate midpoint between the top surface 204 and the bottom surface 206 of the first side edge 208 and/or the second side edge 210. In another embodiment, the groove 212 may extend longitudinally along the entire length of the first side edge 208 or the second side edge 210. In another embodiment, the groove 212 may extend longitudinally along a portion of the length of the first side edge 208 and/or the second side edge 210. For example, the groove 212 may be formed into the first side edge 208 or the second side edge 210 at one or more portions along the length of the first side edge 208 and/or the second side edge 210.

In another embodiment, the groove 212 may be substantially rectangular shaped in a lateral cross-section. In another embodiment, the groove 212 may be substantially square shaped, circular shaped, or polygonal shaped in the lateral cross-section.

FIG. 3A shows a side perspective view of a plank connector 302, according to an embodiment. A plank connector 302 may secure the planks 102 to the joists 104 in FIG. 1. The plank connector 302 may also be referred to as a deck clip or a fastening clip. The plank connector 302 may be used by an individual installing or replacing planks 102 for the outdoor platform 100. The plank connector 302, the planks 102, and the joists 104 of FIG. 1 may be a flooring system.

In one example, the plank connector 302 may be a plastic material, a rubber material, a polyurethane material, and so forth to be durable and rust proof. In another example, the plank connector 302 may be metal to be relatively rigid and not flexible. In another example, the plank connector 302 may be nylon material to provide a relatively flexible connector that may be durable for an extended period of time. In another example, the plank connector 302 may be a unitary device formed from rigid and durable plastic material such as glass-filled nylon or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In another example, the material of the plank connector 302 may be light in weight, such as approximately 0.0029 pounds. In one embodiment, the plank connector 302 may be formed using a molding technique. In another embodiment, the plank connector 302 may be formed using a die-cast technique.

The plank connector 302 may include a body 304 located on a first plane 306. The body 304 may be a rigid body or a semi-rigid body. The plank connector 302 may include a first connector 308. The first connector 308 may extend outwardly along the first plane 306 from a first edge 310 of the body 304. The first connector 308 may include a first arm 312 at a distal end of the first connector 308. In one example, the first connector 308 may extend approximately 3.3 millimeters (mm) from the first edge 310 to the first arm 312 and the extension may have a width of approximately 3 mm.

The first arm 312 may be shaped to be located between two planks to space the two planks apart. The first arm 312 may include a top surface, a bottom surface, and an end surface. The first arm 312 may have a rectangular shape, a square shape, a cylinder shape, and so forth. When the first arm 312 is rectangular shaped or square shaped, the width of the first arm 312 may be approximately 2.925 mm, a length of the first arm 312 is approximately 5.95 mm, and a height of the first arm 312 is approximately 8 mm.

The plank connector 302 may also include a second connector 314. The second connector 314 may extend outwardly along the first plane 306 from a second edge 316 of the body 304. The second connector 314 may include a second arm 318 at a distal end of the second connector. In one example, the second connector 314 may extend approximately 3.3 mm from the second edge 316 to the second arm 318 and the extension may have a width of approximately 3 mm. The second arm 318 may be shaped to be located between two planks to space the two planks apart. The second arm 318 may include a top surface, a bottom surface, and an end surface. The first arm 312 may have a rectangular shape, a square shape, a cylinder shape, and so forth. When the first arm 312 is rectangular shaped or square shaped, the width of the second arm 318 may be approximately 2.925 millimeters (mm), a length of the second arm 318 is approximately 5.95 mm, and a height of the second arm 318 is approximately 8 mm.

The plank connector 302 may also include a platform 320. In one example, the platform 320 may be connected to a top of the body 304. In another example, the platform 320 may be connected to a bottom of the body 304. The platform 320 may extend along a second plane 322 perpendicular to the first plane 306. In one embodiment, the platform 320 may be a defined width to provide a space between the first plank and the second plank 102.

The platform 320 may have a rectangular shape, a square shape, or another polygonal shape. In another example, the platform 320 may be a disk shape, a cylinder shape, and so forth.

In one embodiment, the first connector 308 may extend in a first direction beyond a width or diameter of the platform 320 and the second connector 314 may extend in a second direction beyond the width or diameter of the platform 320. A width of the platform 320 is approximately 16 mm and a length of the platform 320 is approximately 19 mm. In one example, the width of the platform may be a defined width to provide a space between the first plank and the second plank. A thickness of the platform is approximately 3.1 mm.

The plank connector 302 may include a first wing 326 that extends from a center of the platform 320 to a groove 212 at a first side of the plank connector 302 and a second wing 328 that extends from the center of the platform 320 to a groove 212 at a second side of the plank connector 302. The first wing 326 or the second wing 328 may have a rectangular shape, a square shape, a cylinder shape, and so forth.

The first wing 326 may include a top surface, a bottom surface, and an end surface. When the first wing 326 is inserted in the groove 212 in FIG. 1 of a first plank, the top surface of the first wing 326 may contact a top surface of the groove 212, the bottom surface of the first wing 326 may contact a bottom surface of the groove 212, and/or the end surface of the first wing 326 may contact an inner surface of the groove. The number of surfaces of the first wing 326 that contact the groove 212 of the may vary and is not intended to be limiting. For example, the top surface and the bottom surface of the first wing 326 may contact the top surface and the bottom surface of the groove 212 while the end surface may not contact the inner surface of the groove 212.

The second wing 328 may include a top surface, a bottom surface, and an end surface. When the second wing 328 is inserted in the groove 212 in FIG. 1 of a second plank, the top surface of the second wing 328 may contact a top surface of the groove 212 of the groove 212, the bottom surface of the second wing 328 may contact a bottom surface of the groove 212, and/or the end surface of the second wing 328 may contact an inner surface of the groove 212. The number of surfaces of the second wing 328 that contact the groove 212 may vary and is not intended to be limiting. For example, the top surface and the bottom surface of the second wing 328 may contact the top surface and the bottom surface of the groove 212 while the end surface may not contact the inner surface of the groove 212.

The plank connector 302 may also include an opening 324 that is a channel extending through the platform 320 and the body 304. For example, the opening 324 may be a channel or hole that extends from a top side of the platform 320 to a bottom side of the body 304. The opening 324 may extend through a center of the platform 320 and the body 304. The opening 324 may be shaped to receive a fastener to connect the plank connector 302 to a joist 104 or another sub-frame structure of the outdoor platform 100.

In one embodiment, the body 304, the first connector 308, the second connector 314, and the platform 320 may integrally form a single piece of material, such as a molded or die cast piece of material. In another embodiment, the body 304, the first connector 308, the second connector 314, and the platform 320 may be separate pieces of material that may be bonded, welded, or otherwise connected together.

In one embodiment, the plank connector 302 may have an overall length of approximately 31.45 mm, an overall width of approximately 16 mm, and an overall height of approximately 11.1 mm. The dimensions of the plank connector 302 and any other dimensions discussed herein are not intended to be limiting to any particular set of dimensions.

In one embodiment, the body 304, the first connector 308, the second connector 314, and the platform 320 may form a cross-shaped spacer and connector to connect the first plank and the second plank to a joint and at a defined spacing apart. The body 304, the first connector 308, the second connector 314, and the platform 320 may be shaped to have a substantially symmetrical design about the opening 324. For example, the first connector 308 and the second connector 314 may extend radially from a common juncture point of the semi-rigid body. The substantially symmetrical construction about the opening 324 may enable the plank connector 302 to be reversible along a longitudinal axis such that the first wing 326 may be inserted in a groove 212 of the first plank and the second wing 328 may be inserted into a groove 212 of a second plank or vice versa to secure the first plank and the second plank to the joists 104. The substantially symmetrical design of the plank connector 302 and the shape and size of the first wing 326 and the second wing 328 may enable the plank connector 302 to be a universal connector to be inserted into the grooves 212 of planks regardless of the shape or size of the groove 212. The sizes and shapes of the various elements of the plank connector 302 are not intended to be limiting. For example, the sizes and shapes of the various elements of the plank connector 302 may vary based on a size of the plank it is inserted into.

FIG. 3B shows a side view of the plank connector 302, according to an embodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 3B are the same or similar to some of the features in FIG. 3A as noted by same reference numbers, unless expressly described otherwise. As discussed above, the opening 324 may extend through a center of the platform 320 and the body 304. The opening 324 may be shaped to receive a fastener to connect the plank connector 302 to a joist 104 in FIG. 1 or another sub-frame structure of the outdoor platform 100 in FIG. 1. In one example, the opening 324 may be tapered. For example, a diameter of the tapered opening 324 may decrease from approximately 4.35 mm from a top of the platform 320 to approximately 4.0 mm at the bottom of the body 304. The tapered opening 324 may be sized and shaped to support a head of a fastener and prevent the fastener from being driven entirely through the plank connector 302 when the plank connector 302 is connected to a joist 104. In another example, the opening 324 may be uniform. For example, a diameter of the opening 324 may be approximately 4.35 mm from the top of the platform 320 to the bottom of the body 304.

FIG. 3C shows a bottom view of the plank connector 302, according to an embodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 3C are the same or similar to some of the features in FIG. 3A and 3B as noted by same reference numbers, unless expressly described otherwise. As discussed above, the opening 324 of the plank connector 302 may extend through a center of the platform 320 and the body 304. The first connector 308 may extend outwardly along the first plane 306 from a first edge 310 of the body 304. The second connector 314 may extend outwardly along the first plane 306 from a second edge 316 of the body 304.

FIG. 3D shows a top view of the plank connector 302, according to an embodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 3D are the same or similar to some of the features in FIG. 3A-3C as noted by same reference numbers, unless expressly described otherwise. As discussed above, the platform 320 of the plank connector 302 may extend along a second plane 322. The opening 324 may be located at approximately the center of the platform 320.

FIG. 3E shows another side view of the plank connector 302, according to an embodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 3E are the same or similar to some of the features in FIG. 3A-3D as noted by same reference numbers, unless expressly described otherwise. A width of the platform 320 may be greater than a width of the first connector 308 or the second connector 314. For example, as viewed from the side of the plank connector 302, the first connector 308 or the second connector 314 may have a first width. The first wing 326 may extend in a first direction beyond the first width to a second width. The second wing 328 may extend in a second direction beyond the first width to a third width. In one example, the second width and the third width may be the same. In another example, the second width and the third width may be different.

FIG. 3F shows a perspective bottom view of the plank connector 302, according to an embodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 3F are the same or similar to some of the features in FIG. 3A-3E as noted by same reference numbers, unless expressly described otherwise. As discussed above, the body 304, the first connector 308, the second connector 314, the platform 320, and the opening 324 may form a symmetric configuration to enable the plank connector 302 to be reversible. In one example, the first arm 312 may be inserted into a groove 212 of a first plank and the second arm 318 may be inserted into a groove 212 of a second plank. In another example, the first arm 312 may be inserted into the groove 212 of the second plank and the second arm 318 may be inserted into the groove 212 of the first plank.

FIG. 4A shows a side view of the plank connector 302 connecting a first plank 402 to a second plank 406, according to an embodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 4A are the same or similar to some of the features in FIGS. 1 and 3A-3F as noted by same reference numbers, unless expressly described otherwise. The first plank 402 may include an opening or first groove 410 at one or more edges of the first plank 402. The second plank 404 may include an opening or second groove 412 at one or more edges of the second plank 404. The first groove 410 and/or the second groove 412 may be substantially similar to the groove 212 in FIG. 2. The first wing 326 of plank connector 302 may be inserted into the first groove 410. The second wing 328 may be inserted into the second groove 412. The first arm 312 and the second arm 318 may be inserted or located between the bodies of the first plank 402 and the second plank 404 to space the first plank 402 and the second plank 404 apart from each other by a defined distance. For example, the first arm 312 of the first connector 308 or the second arm 318 of the second connector 314 may be inserted or located between the first plank 402 and the second plank 404 to space the first plank 402 apart from the second plank 404 by approximately a width of the first arm 312 or the second arm 318.

The plank connector 302 may be connected to a joist 414 by inserting a fastener 406 into an opening of the plank connector 302. The plank connector 302 may connect to the joist 414 and may fasten down the first plank 402 and the second plank 404 to the joist 414. For example, when the plank connector 302 is fastened to the joist 414, the first wing 326 may be located within the first groove 410 to hold the first plank 402 against the joist 414 and the second wing 328 may be located within the second groove 412 to hold the second plank 404 against the joist 414. The order that the plank connector 302 is connected to the joist 414, the first wing 326 is inserted into the first groove 410, and the second wing 328 is inserted into the second groove 412 is not intended to be limiting. In one example, the plank connector 302 may be connected to the joist 414 prior to the first wing 326 and the second wing 328 being inserted into the first groove 410 and the second groove 412, respectively. In another example, the first wing 326 may be inserted into the first groove 410, the plank connector 302 may be connected to the joist 414 by the fastener 406, and then the second wing 328 may be inserted into the second groove 412. Additionally, as discussed above, the design of the plank connector 302 may be symmetrical such that the first wing 326 may be inserted into the second groove 412 and the second wing 328 may be inserted into the first groove 410.

FIG. 4B shows a top perspective view of the plank connector 302 connecting a first plank 402 to a second plank 404, according to an embodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 4A are the same or similar to some of the features in FIG. 1, 3A-3F, and 4A as noted by same reference numbers, unless expressly described otherwise. The first wing 326 and the second wing 328 of the plank connector 302 may form a T-shaped clip that holds down the first plank 402 and the second plank 404 to the joist 414 via the grooves 410 and 412 and the fastener 406 screwing into an opening at the center of a platform of the plank connector 302.

The plank connector 302 may be a universal connector to fasten the first plank 402 and the second plank 404 to the joist 414. For example, the first wing 326 and the second wing 328 may be smaller than the first groove 410 of the first plank 402 and the second groove 412 of the second plank 404, respectively. While the first wing 326 and the second wing 328 may be smaller than the first groove 410 of the first plank 402 and the second groove 412 of the second plank 404, the bottom surfaces of the first wing 326 and the second wing 328 may fasten down on the bottom surfaces of the grooves 410 and 412. As discussed above, the plank connector 302 may uniformly space the first plank 402 apart from the second plank 404 by a defined space. A portion of the first plank 402 has been removed in FIG. 4B to show how the plank connector 302 may fasten to the first plank 402, the second plank 404 and the joist 414. In one embodiment, when the plank connector 302 is fastened between the first plank 402 and the second plank 404, the plank connector 302 may be substantially hidden from view.

In one embodiment, the first wing 326 frictionally engages the first plank 402 and the second wing 328 frictionally engages the second plank 404 to secure the first plank 402 and the second plank 404 against the joist 414. In one embodiment, the first plank 402 and the second plank 404 may be fastened to the joist 414 at a first end of the first plank 402 and the second plank 404 by a first plank connector 302 and the first plank 402 and the second plank 404 may be fastened to the joist 414 at a second end of the first plank 402 and the second plank 404 by a second plank connector 302. In another embodiment, the first plank 402 and the second plank 404 may be fastened to multiple transverse joists with multiple plank connectors 302 inserted into the grooves 410 and 412 at intervals along the lengths of the first plank 402 and the second plank 404.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of method 500 to connect a first plank and a second plank to a sub-frame, according to an embodiment. The method 500 may include connecting the first plank to a sub-frame (block 510). The method 500 may include inserting a first arm of a plank spacer into an opening at a side of the first plank (block 520). The method 500 may include connecting the plank spacer to the sub-frame (block 530). The method 500 may include inserting a second arm of the plank spacer into an opening at a side of a second plank (block 540). The method 500 may include connecting the second plank to the sub-frame (block 550).

The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct embodiments with independent utility. While each of these embodiments has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the embodiments includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such embodiments. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed embodiments that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Embodiments embodied in other combinations and sub-combinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same embodiment or a different embodiment and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the embodiments described herein. 

1. A device, comprising: a semi-rigid body on a first plane; a first connector extending outwardly along the first plane from a first edge of the semi-rigid body, the first connector comprising a first arm at a first distal end, wherein the first arm is shaped to be inserted between a first plank and a second plank at a first location to space the first plank apart from the second plank by a defined distance; a second connector extending outwardly along the first plane from a second edge of the semi-rigid body, the second connector comprising a second arm at a second distal end, wherein: the second arm is shaped to be inserted between the first plank and the second plank at a second location to space the first plank apart from the second plank by the defined distance, and the second arm extends from a side of the semi-rigid body opposite the first arm; a platform connected to a top of the semi-rigid body on a second plane perpendicular to the first plane, the platform comprising: a first wing shaped to be inserted into a groove of the first plank to secure the first plank to a sub-frame of a structure; and a second wing shaped to be inserted into a groove of the second plank to secure the second plank to the sub-frame; and an opening extending through a center of the platform and the semi-rigid body, the opening shaped to receive a fastener to connect the device the sub-frame.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the first connector and the second connector extend radially from a common juncture point of the semi-rigid body.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein: the first wing includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and an end surface; and when the first wing is inserted in the groove of the first plank, the top surface of the first wing is in contact with a top surface of the groove of the first plank, the bottom surface of the first wing is in contact with a bottom surface of the first plank, and the end surface of the first wing is in contact with an inner surface of the first plank.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein: the second wing includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and an end surface; and when the second wing is inserted in the groove of the second plank, the top surface of the second wing is in contact with a top surface of the groove of the second plank, the bottom surface of the second wing is in contact with a bottom surface of the second plank, and the end surface of the second wing is in contact with an inner surface of the second plank.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is reversible such that the first wing is insertable into the groove of the second plank and the second wing is insertable into the first plank.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the semi-rigid body and the platform form a cross-shaped spacer to connect the first plank and the second plank to the sub-frame.
 7. The device of claim 1, where the first connector extends in a first direction beyond a width of the platform and the second connector extends in a second direction beyond the width of the platform.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the platform is a disk.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the platform is rectangular.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein a width of the platform is approximately 16 millimeters and a length of the platform is approximately 19 millimeters.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein a thickness of the platform is approximately 3.1 millimeters.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein: a width of the first arm is approximately 2.925 millimeters and a length of the first arm is approximately 5.95 millimeters, and a width of the second arm is approximately 2.925 millimeters and a length of the second arm is approximately 5.95 millimeters.
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 21. A device, comprising: a semi-rigid body on a first plane; a first connector extending outwardly along the first plane from a first edge of the semi-rigid body, the first connector comprising a first arm at a first distal end; a second connector extending outwardly along the first plane from a second edge of the semi-rigid body, the second connector comprising a second arm at a second distal end; a platform connected to a top of the semi-rigid body on a second plane perpendicular to the first plane, the platform comprising: a first wing shaped to be inserted into a groove of a first plank; and a second wing shaped to be inserted into a groove of a second plank; and an opening extending through a center of the platform and the semi-rigid body.
 22. The device of claim 21, wherein the first arm is shaped to be inserted between the first plank and the second plank at a first location to space the first plank apart from the second plank by a defined distance.
 23. The device of claim 21, wherein: the second arm is shaped to be inserted between the first plank and the second plank at a second location to space the first plank apart from the second plank by a defined distance; and the second arm extends from a side of the semi-rigid body opposite the first arm.
 24. The device of claim 21, wherein: the first wing is configured to secure the first plank to a sub-frame of a structure; and the second wing is configured to secure the second plank to the sub-frame.
 25. The device of claim 21, wherein the opening is configured to receive a fastener to connect the device a sub-frame of a structure.
 26. A device, comprising: a body on a first plane; a first connector extending outwardly along the first plane from a first edge of the body; a second connector extending outwardly along the first plane from a second edge of the body; a platform connected to a top of the body on a second plane perpendicular to the first plane, the platform comprising a first wing and a second wing; and an opening extending through a center of the platform and the body.
 27. The device of claim 26, wherein: the first connector comprises a first arm at a first distal end; and the second connector comprising a second arm at a second distal end.
 28. The device of claim 26, wherein: the first wing is configured to be inserted into a groove of a first plank; and the second wing is configured to be inserted into a groove of a second plank. 